New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson used to feel awkward whenever his peers at school would stare at him with a lot of curiosity over his atypical height as a child, which didn't make his father Michael worry as much, for he saw it as a sign of things to come, predicting that his imposing son will one day become famous for his achievements. 

Living up to those words, the 6ft 8 inch tall speedster indeed became famous around the world on Friday (February 21) when he dismissed the likes of Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara on Test debut in Wellington, much to the delight of the senior Jamieson. 

Read Also: Kyle Jamieson over the moon after claiming prized scalps of Kohli and Pujara

"His towering height was a reason of curiosity for his peers even when he was at school and he used to feel awkward as to why people would just stare at him," PTI quoted Jamieson's father as saying as his son ended Day 1 at the Basin Reserve with figures of 3/38. 

"I simply told Kyle that if they are staring at you, one day you will certainly become famous," he added. "Getting Virat Kohli and a player of Cheteshwar Pujara's calibre out, it doesn't get better."

Unfortunately, Jamieson's mother couldn't also be at the venue to watch her son's exploits. "My wife Sheryl missed out today. I am lucky," a proud father said. "I hope he has a long career for New Zealand. What I have loved about him is his ability to give 100 per cent. He played basketball as well but at 17, he decided to become a professional cricketer."

"He told me that he wanted to give it a try and even if he isn't successful, he could have got back to academics. He has a bachelor's degree in commerce with specialisation in Supply Chains Management. But then, academics is an option to fall back on if he didn't make it as a cricketer."

Jamieson believes it has been as much his journey as it has been of the father reaching this far. "Nothing (tips) from him this morning, he was actually on a flight so I didn't get any words of wisdom," he said. "Special for him to be here as he's had such a massive influence on my career growing up and when I started."

"I am sure I'll have a conversation with him tonight," Kyle added. "I am the one sitting here but it's as much their journey as mine. I am sure he's pretty proud and I am certainly very lucky to have him here."

(Inputs from PTI)